A group of local parents has asked that this important information about state funding for our local schools be made available – please use the contact information on the linked page for more information.

1-Block watch info. Could there be a link on the website to Hamden Police block watch info? Should officer be asked to speak again at a meeting, as the good weather approaches?

2-Whitneyville library in need of building repairs.

3-Proposed construction on Mather St.

4-Parking in Whitneyville center.

5- Hamden Hall construction. Bob Izzo of Hamden Hall spoke, public input at planning and zoning is now closed, plan has been approved. He offered to meet with concerned residents from Hall St and area.

Curt Leng , chief administrative officer, updates

1-Trash containers now come in 3 sizes and are available to anyone who requests them.

2-Parking in Whitneyville center—he stated that Hamden will now receive the funds from parking violations. There was discussion how to address parking problems , suggestions were– strictly enforce 2 hour parking, designate commuter parking spaces, install a sign about parking behind the Board of Ed building( Curt expressed concern about the students that still use that facility). Curt didn’t know if or what % of moving violation on Whitney Ave goes to Hamden. He will get back to us. No conclusions drawn.

2-Mather St construction- 400 unit luxury apartments approved for land between lakes and the vacant brick building on the south side of Mather near Dixwell. He stated there would be an exit directly onto Dixwell and also onto Mather. [70] unit disabled housing approved for opposite (north) side of Mather.

3-Mon 3/16, Mayor Jackson will present the budget, it will be online after the presentation. There are funds allocated for repairs to the Waite St bridge. Treadwell St bridge is being worked on presently.

4- Bell at corner of Whitney and Putnam. 3 bollards will be installed at the curve of the pocket park sidewalk to protect pedestrians ( they were not installed in phase 1 of the streetscape as planned ) They are intended to be break away ,should be inexpensive and easily replaced. Bell will be replaced once they are in.

5-An arborist has been hired for the town, no details available.

6-Putnam Ave sidewalks- completing the north side is planned for this spring/summer.

7-Snow removal- the town made a special effort this year to clear areas such as major bus stops. Curt made the suggestion of the creation of a volunteer snow brigade, using See Click Fix for snow removal, next year town is planning on making a grid to prioritize, cite and fine for failure to remove snow on homeowners sidewalk.

The Hamden Police Department is accepting applications for their Citizen Police Academy program that runs through the spring. Applications are due by February 6th.

“The purpose of this academy is to provide local residents and business/property owners with information as it relates to the function and activities of the Hamden Police Department. It is the hope that this program will increase police awareness and build community rapport through this educational endeavor. In return, the Hamden Police Department will benefit by becoming more aware of the concerns of the community through their interaction and input during this program.”

At the next meeting, March 12, we’ll be reading the proposed bylaw changes mentioned at the January meeting. If you’d like to comment on them, you can post here or send an email to info@whitneyville.org.

The current bylaws, proposed changes, explaination of the changes, and map are in the “About WCA” tab – up there at the top of your screen on the right.

If you are interested in getting emails about meetings and infrequent updates from WCA, please sign up using the form to the left.

Dale Kroop, Dir. Economic and Community Development 7:15 – 7:30
–Rochford Field and Vilano Park, ex Mill Rock Park
–Part of consent order related to cleanup, this is phase 2 (residential=1, middle school=3)
–Lights- limited to 10 night events per year (all lights off by 10pm per ordinance)
–Hamden $8m, CT DEEP is $4m – $10m construction, $2m is engineering & operation/mgt cost + contingency
–Operational as sports fields in spring 2016 (one year to get grass established)
–Basketball courts (2), tennis, and multi-age playground, stage, etc. open partially in fall 2015.
–Major accomplishment includes all new storm drainage – should help with major storm events
–Parking at old house sites will remain parking, working with police on street parking, esp. on Mill Rock
–call Dale at 287-7033 with questions

Hamden Hall head of school Bob Izzo 7:30 – 8:15
–Christian Dinkeloo, architect
–565 students preK-12, ~160 from Hamden
–Short video presentation
–Review of plans with architect
–Two phases – relocate parking and gym renos, this summer; new lower school after that
–Pending Zoning approval
–Parking expansion will be pervious surface to preserve drainage, per code

Introductions of attendees 8:15
Kath Shumacher, 5th District rep.
–2015 is an election year: Mayor, Clerk, some BoE, and all Councilmembers

Mike D’Agostino, State rep 91st
–Session started yesterday
–PILOT reform is pending… Sen. Looney & Rep. Sharkey are on it
–Transportation funding discussion, major push for Governor
–Education bonding projects for local pre-K and special ed are proposed
–Continuing Care Community resident council bill-of-rights proposed